
Expectations for the Detroit Tigers in 2018
Expectations are minimal for the Detroit Tigers coming into the 2018 campaign, and for good reason. With the improvements made throughout the division, they simply do not have the pieces needed to contend.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
The Tigers also have an interesting blend of older players and younger talent. However, the veteran players are virtually unmovable, even if the Tigers were looking to trade them. Victor Martinez has had severe medical issues, leaving his playing time in doubt. Jordan Zimmermann has been a disaster. And, with Miguel Cabrera showing the ravages of time, and due another $184 million over the next six years, he is one of the least tradeable players in the game.
Right now, the Tigers need to find solid young talent to supplement the roster. Getting those players in the early part of their careers, and possibly signing them to team-friendly extensions, will help create that future core. But the issue is that the Tigers need to identify them. With a decent farm system and a reputation for developing talent, those players should emerge soon enough.
In the meanwhile, the Tigers hopes for the 2018 campaign appear to be bleak. They finished the 2017 season with a 64-98 record, and could find similar results by the end of the coming season. However, that rough finish is leading to high draft picks, helping to add pieces for the rebuild.
Next: Tigers top ten prospects
The future may eventually be bright for the Detroit Tigers, but the present is not. Expect more struggles in the coming season. Prediction: Fifth place in the AL Central.